"40-Year-Old Virgin" Actor Gets Life Sentence

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An actor who appeared in the film "40-Year-Old Virgin" was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for stabbing his ex-girlfriend more than 20 times.

Shelley Malil was in court Thursday in connection to the brutal attack in Vista. Three months ago, a jury convicted him attempted premeditated murder and assault with a deadly weapon. On
Thursday, Judge Harry Elias gave the actor the maximum sentence. When all is said and done, with time already served, plus the additional five years, Malil will be eligible for parole in about nine or 10 years.

The 45-year-old testified at trial that he visited his ex-girlfriend Kendra Beebe at her San Marcos home in August 2008 to apologize for taking personal items from her house. He stabbed her with a kitchen knife after finding her with another man.

Early during Thursday's proceedings, Malil's attorney made a motion for a new trial, claiming the jury disagreed on a specific act of violence. Lawyer's also argued that the removal of a juror was premature and that the verdict was "inconsistent with prosecution's theory."

After the deputy district attorney went over each specific argument, Judge Harry Elias denied the motion, and several people, including the defendant, began delivering statements prior to sentencing.

Malil appeared in court dressed in a dark sports jacket, dress shirt and slacks, and did not appear to be handcuffed. Convicted defendants are often cuffed and wear prison-issued clothing. Malil's lawyer was likely granted a request for a clothing exception due to heavy media interest (there were eight videographers and three photographers in court).

"I am at a loss for words right now," Malil told the court. "I failed miserably, not only as a human being but as a father, son, uncle, brother, friend. What I did to Kendra, I don't have the words to express my remorse."

Beebe, too addressed the court.

"I stand before the defendant alive," Beebe testified. "Despite plunging a knife in me 23 times and trying to kill me, I am alive. Despite the wicked scars he left on my body, I am alive."